3160 North Arizona Avenue, Suite 105, Chandler, Arizona 85225
Evaluations for Autism, ADHD, and Learning Disabilities
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Specializing in Psychological Evaluations for Autism, ADHD, and Learning Disabilities
Ridge Zeller Therapy’s licensed psychologist provides child and adolescent evaluations for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and Learning Disabilities. A thorough evaluation is critical in understanding a child's individual strengths and needs.
Comprehensive psychological evaluations consist of an initial intake/interview, administration of assessments tailored to the referral question, report writing, and interpretation of results. A formal report, including diagnostic impressions and recommendations, is provided for each client.
The licensed psychologist conducts all aspects of the evaluation at Ridge Zeller Therapy from start to finish. Evaluations provided by the licensed psychologist are a fee for service practice. Additional services are available upon request including consulting and additional feedback sessions.
*Please note that Custody or Court Ordered Evaluations are not provided. The licensed psychologist also does not provide individual therapy sessions at Ridge Zeller Therapy at this time.
About the Licensed Psychologist
Katherine (Katie) Stoll, Ph.D., Licensed Psychologist and Certified School Psychologist
Katherine (Katie) Stoll, Ph.D., is a Licensed Psychologist and Certified School Psychologist. She earned a Doctoral Degree in School Psychology at the University of Arizona in 2017. She completed an accredited internship through the Hawaii Psychology Internship Consortium. Katie has extensive experience in using evidence-based assessment, therapeutic, academic, and behavioral interventions with diverse populations. She also previously completed a master’s degree in counseling and was a school counselor for six years. Katie has two young children who keep her busy when away from work. She enjoys spending time with family and friends as well as traveling and visiting national parks.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a lifelong developmental disorder involving problems with communication, restricted interests, and repetitive behavior. The degree of impairment in functioning as a result of these challenges varies among individuals with autism. Early signs of autism can become apparent before a child reaches the age of one. However, symptoms typically become more consistently visible by the time a child is 2 or 3 years of age. In some cases, the functional impairment related to autism may be mild and not apparent until the child starts school, after which their deficits may be pronounced when amongst their peers. Research shows that starting an intervention program as soon as possible can improve outcomes for many children on the autism spectrum.
Our licensed psychologist is trained to evaluate children and adolescents for neurodevelopmental disorders such as ASD. A comprehensive assessment for autism begins with a detailed intake/interview to determine the unique needs of the client. The evaluation will include the use of gold standard assessments in diagnosing ASD.
A child with ASD may have difficulty with Social Communication:
- Decreased sharing of interests with others
- Difficulty appreciating their own and others' emotions
- Lack of proficiency with use of non-verbal gestures
- Stilted or scripted speech
- Interpreting abstract ideas literally
- Difficulty making friends or keeping them
Repetitive Behaviors and Restricted Interests
- Inflexible behavior, extreme difficulty coping with change
- Being overly focused on specific subjects to the exclusion of others
- Expecting others to be equally interested in those subjects
- Problems tolerating changes in routine and new experiences
- Sensory hypersensitivity (e.g., aversion to loud noises, textures, lighting)
- Movements such as hand flapping, rocking, and spinning
- Arranging items, often toys, in a very particular manner
References:
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association Publishing.
https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/autism/what-is-autism-spectrum-disorder
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/Autism/Pages/default.aspx
Learning Disorders
What is a Learning Disorder?
What is a Learning Disorder?
A learning disorder occurs when an individual’s brain works with information in a way that can make it difficult to learn academic skills in reading, writing, speaking, or mathematics. Individuals with learning disabilities have average to above average intelligence, but they require support and strategies to learn successfully.
A child with a specific learning disorder in reading (dyslexia) may have difficulty with:
- Phonological processing
- Word reading
- Understanding what is being read
A child with a specific learning disorder in written expression (dysgraphia) may have difficulty with:
- Spelling
- Grammar, punctuation
- Paragraph organization
- Putting ideas into writing
A child with a specific learning disorder in mathematics (dyscalculia) may have difficulty with:
- Number sense
- Calculation
- Understanding math terms, operations, and symbols
References:
American Psychiatric Association: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision. Washington, DC, American Psychiatric Association, 2022.
https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/learning/conditioninfo
ADHD
What is Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurobehavioral condition that impacts children, adolescents, and adults. The characteristic symptoms include difficulties in attention, hyperactivity, impulsivity, and executive functioning. These symptoms occur in more than one setting (e.g., at home and school) and interfere with major life activities or development. ADHD is linked to impairments in a child’s education (e.g., poor school performance, underachievement, disruptive behaviors, suspensions/expulsions), social functioning (e.g., poor peer relationships, antisocial activities), and in health (e.g., sleep problems, greater risk of accidental injuries).
Difficulties with inattention or executive functioning may look like:
- Distractibility
- Making careless mistakes
- Problems sustaining attention in tasks or activities
- Avoiding or disliking tasks that require mental effort
- Impaired working memory
Difficulties with hyperactivity and impulsivity may look like:
- Restlessness (fidgeting or squirming)
- Excessive talking
- Interrupting
- Difficulty waiting one’s turn
- Other difficulties such as poor emotional regulation
If you are concerned that your child may have ADHD, a thorough evaluation is recommended. An evaluation for ADHD will include an initial intake/interview, assessment appointment/s, and a feedback session with results and recommendations.
References:
American Psychiatric Association: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision. Washington, DC, American Psychiatric Association, 2022.
https://www. apa.org/topics/adhd/